Night 52: F21-F30 Hallway

[fourstonewalls]

[from here]

Lana marched up to the door to F28, raised a hand to knock, and stopped, her knuckles bare inches from connecting. Tonight would reveal what she'd thrown away a promising career, the career she'd always dreamed of, to hide. Never mind that she appeared to have it all -- she knew, and Gant knew, and before the night was over, Ema

Comments

[scientist_skye]

The firmness with which Ema continued to hold her sister's hand betrayed the fact that, despite all outward appearances, Ema wasn't feeling very in-control of her emotional state at all. Part of her wanted nothing more than to run back into her room, close the door, cover herself with her blankets, and pretend that nothing was wrong. The only thing that prevented her from doing so was the knowledge that such behavior was not only childish but completely unhelpful; she was better than that. She had promised herself two years ago that she would be better than that next time.

It was time to fulfill that promise.

Nodding slightly, Ema answered, "I do. I have my journal--with a pen--and my flashlight. I didn't bring the radio on purpose." She didn't really have that many possessions in this place, anyhow. The only other thing that would have been beneficial would have been a weapon with which she could defend herself, but she didn't have one. She was counting on Lana for that, should it become necessary.

"I don't know where the visitor rooms are, so you'll have to lead me." The unspoken corollary--that she really couldn't see enough to navigate herself--wasn't necessary.

[fourstonewalls]

Lead...not show.  That one word was enough to tell Lana that Ema wasn't just unnerved by the dark.  Agatha's idea of a headlamp sounded even more critical -- Lana couldn't be there to guide her every night, even though she wanted to.  Last night, for example.

"Good," she murmured, even if it was a lie.  Ema deserved the encouragement.  The list of gear was unremarkable (though all of it apt) save for the reason Ema had said more than a flat yes.  Facts and figures, neatly aligned and recited, a litany of unshakable truths were a formidable defense.  One she'd never wanted to see reflected in her sister's eyes, but she couldn't argue against it.  Ema needed those defenses here, especially tonight.

She squeezed Ema's hand again and started moving back towards the main halls.

[to here]